Medicare Open Enrollment Update for 2019:
Free Workshops Offered in El Dorado County in October 2018
(Placerville, CA) - Medicare open enrollment is October 15 through December 7, 2018. This enrollment period is one of the few times Medicare beneficiaries can change, enroll into or disenroll from, a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO). Changes to plans are effective January 1, 2019.
Many Medicare plans change their benefits and costs each year. "Studies show that Medicare beneficiaries who review their plan's changes and other plan options are more likely to save money and find a plan best suited to their needs compared to those who simply stay with the same plan each year," said Rhoda Slagle, Regional Coordinator of the El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).
Five free, one-hour, public workshops will be conducted in El Dorado County by HICAP during the month of October to help Medicare enrollees understand coverage options in 2019:
- Friday, October 19, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center (the Gilmore Center), 990 Lassen Lane, in El Dorado Hills
- Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, in Placerville
- Thursday, October 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pollock Pines/Camino Community Center, 2675 Sanders Dr., in Pollock Pines
- Monday, October 29, 2018, at 12:45 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Dr., in Cameron Park
- Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at 12:45 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., in South Lake Tahoe
In addition to the October workshops, HICAP provides free, individual counseling regarding Medicare in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe throughout the year. To make an appointment, call (530) 621-6369 Ext.3. A limited number of appointments are available.
HICAP is a nonprofit organization that gives free, unbiased information and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries; the organization is not affiliated with any insurance company. HICAP works in partnership with senior programs of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. For information about additional services for older adults in El Dorado County, please visit https://www.edcgov.us/SeniorService.aspx.
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